Jantjies nominated for a World Rugby award
Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has been recognised for his stunning debut season by being nominated as one of three contenders for the title World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has been nominated along with England wing Joe Cokanasiga and flyhalf Romain Ntamack of France for the prestigious award, which is now in its fifth year. The winner will be announced in Tokyo on Sunday, 3 November 2019, at the World Rugby Awards.
In its nomination, World Rugby stated: “Few people knew anything about the diminutive scrum-half outside of the Stormers camp coming into 2019, but he announced himself to the world in some style, scoring twice on his Test debut against Australia in the Rugby Championship in July and then touching down again in the 16-16 draw with New Zealand. The 23-year-old has featured in all but one of South Africa’s Tests since, more often than not providing an impact off the bench.”
Jantjies scored his fourth Test try in the 41-7 win over Japan at the beginning of September and has made nine Test appearances in all. The only Springbok match he has missed this season was the 24-18 win over Argentina in Pretoria when he was injured.
To be eligible for the award, players must be in their debut season of senior international rugby. The judging panel is made up of former internationals; Jamie Heaslip, Felipe Contepomi and Rugby World Cup-winners Fiao’o Faamausili and Bryan Habana.
